
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, December 30, 1994                   TAG: 9412300097
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THE TIPOFF ALMENA HUGHES

20 FOR EIGHT: Not even the group's founder, Cynthia Lyon, can believe that Eight to the Bar has been together 20 years. But it's true. The musical mixers of everything from '40s jive to '60s Motown will mark their anniversary during their once-a-year visit to Roanoke tonight at 9:30 at the Coffee Pot Barbeque and Grill on Brambleton Avenue Southwest.

One reviewer described the unique sextet's sound as "like driving along a time-warped highway precisely halfway between Count Basie's Kansas City and the Supremes' Detroit, where the car radio picks up everything from "Take the A Train" to "I heard It Through the Grapevine." Outlandish wardrobes and interesting choreography add visual verve. Call 774-8256.

23 FOR BIKERS: The Big Lick Hillbillies (as part of the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club) will present its fifth annual First-Ride-of-the-Year mountain bike ride on Sunday at high noon . The moderately difficult 23-mile loop, with short loop options for the less hale and/or hungover, will depart from the Carvin's Cove Boat Ramp parking lot. All riders are required to wear a safety-approved helmet. A parent's or guardian's permission is required for riders under age 18. There is no fee. Call 981-1034.

MUSIC FOR 12TH: Lynchburg-based musical group Folk Salad will be the featured performers Thursday at 7:30 p.m. during the annual Twelfth Night Concert at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Roanoke Street in Fincastle.

Following the concert, a reception will be held for the 5-year-old group, whose music spans a variety of styles and whose appearances included the Kennedy Center in 1993.

Tickets cost $4. Call the church at 473-2370 or Gret Kidd at 992-1959.

by CNB